John McGreal and Chris Casement’s side went into this game off the back of their 2-2 draw with Preston North End in midweek, when they started their Premier League Cup campaign.
Harry Clarke in action for Ipswich Town under-21s at Portman Road. _(Image: Ross Halls)_
**TEAM NEWS**
Harry Clarke made another appearance at right-back for the young Blues as he continues his return to full fitness, while fellow first-teamers Elkan Baggot and Fin Barbrook were involved once again.
Winger Tudor Mendel and forward Luca Fletcher returned to the line-up after being rested in midweek.
**Town U21s:** Williamson, H Clarke, Boniface, Shabazz-Edwards, Baggott, Carr (c), Mendel, Barbrook, Mauge (Lewis 75), L Fletcher (Eze 83), Pitts (Elliott 60).
Fin Barbrook celebrates his goal with Somto Boniface. _(Image: Ross Halls)_
**DEADLOCK BROKEN**
It was a cagey opening 30 minutes on this Halloween night as the two sides battled to take control of the game, with the young Blues enjoying most of the possession.
Town pushed for a opener but there final ball was letting them down, before they finally got the goal they deserved in the 42nd minute through Barbrook.
He latched onto Fletcher's inviting pass inside the box before slotting a clinical sweeping shot into the bottom left-hand corner for his second goal in two games.
**GOING DOWN TO TEN**
The visitors started the second half strongly but Town defended well - but then just before the hour mark they were reduced to ten men.
Defender Walker Shabazz-Edwards was shown his second yellow card after bringing down Sean Neave as the Newcastle forward broke towards the area.
Despite having a player down, the young Blues showed resilience as they looked to double their lead and worked as a unit to defend the Magpies attack.
Tudor Mendel came close to scoring against Newcastle United. _(Image: Ross Halls)_
**HARD-FOUGHT WIN**
It was a blockbuster finish as both sides had chances to score with Barbrook coming close twice to bagging himself a brace, while the visitors hit the post late on.
However, the young Blues weren’t to be denied a deserved victory as they claimed all three points and returned to the top of the league as previous leaders Manchester United lost 4-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers.
It was once again an enjoyable evening for your writer covering this talented group of young players, who put in another team performance with every player making their mark on this win.
**SPECIAL GROUP**
It's been a joy watching this team this season as they all work together and make such an impact on their debut campaign at this level.
Barbrook took his goal well and ran the show in the midfield alongside Carr, with both adding bite in the middle of the park.
Town have such exciting attacking threat as well, with the mercurial Mendel once again putting on a show down the right that got fans off their feet, and he came close to adding to his goal tally.
The young Blues return to action when they travel to Sunderland next Friday, looking to make it nine games unbeaten in the league.